Foot-care decisions, explained through patient stories

The central lesson in Jacintha’s story is that reduced sensation can allow a small foot injury to progress before it feels serious.

Diabetes can affect nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Numbness may make cuts, blisters, or pressure injuries difficult to notice, while reduced circulation can make infection and healing more complicated.

Rubaiya’s story explains how a bunion can move from occasional shoe pressure to persistent joint pain and activity limits.

Evaluation starts with the deformity, joint motion, footwear, walking demands, and weight-bearing imaging when needed. Conservative care is usually considered first. Surgery may be discussed when pain and function do not improve and the expected benefits and recovery fit the patient’s goals.

Candace’s story shows how a painful bunion can disrupt sleep and everyday walking, and what recovery looked like after surgery.

In the video, Candace describes the night pain that finally brought her in, how Dr. Nayeem explained the procedure and the recovery time beforehand, and what changed afterward, from shoes that fit her foot to more daily walking.

Rosa’s story is a reminder that a podiatry visit can uncover a problem beyond the one that brought you in.

Rosa first came in with pain in her left foot. On a later visit, a biopsy pointed to skin cancer and she was referred to another doctor, who confirmed it and removed it. She says she is doing much better.